Explosive cartridge assembly



July 24, 195,6 v A. H. HARTER,'JR 2,755,735

ExPLosIvE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY Filed March '9, 1955 `Piatented July 24, 1956 2,755,735 ExPLosIvE `CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY Arthur H. Harten'Jr., University City, Mo., assignmto Illinois Powder Manufacturing Company, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Illinois Application March 9,1955, Serial No. 493,183

10 Claims. (Cl. M12- 24) etliciently securing together a plurality of cartridges in end to end relation to form a strong and rigid column which can be easily handled and'lowered` into the shot hole without separation of the cartridges.

Another object -is to provide an explosive .cartridge assembly in the form of a rigid column .of cartridges having a smooth exterior surface sothat the column can be inserted into a drill or shot hole without snagging and without .exerting pressure upon the explosive.

Another object of the present inventionis `to provide a leakproof containingmeans kfor explosives` so that mud or water in a shot hole will not contact the explosive and thereby diminish its eiciency.

Another object is to provide a cartridge assembly in the form of a column of explosive cartridges in which a blasting cap may be quickly and securely positioned at any level in the column in axial alignment with the cartridges.

Another object of this invention is Tto provide a containing means of suflcient strength and rigidity to eliminate the use of relatively insensitive ,explosives `thereby obviating the needy for a primer for efficient detonation, in addition to a blasting cap.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent hereinafter.

This invention is embodied in an explosive cartridge having sealed ends adapted for threaded engagement with other explosive cartridges to form a rigid column, one end of the cartridge having a cap retaining means therein.

The invention also consists in the parts and in the combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and claimed. ln the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and wherein like numerals refer to like parts wherever they occur: y

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a lpresently preferred cartridge assembly,

Fig. 2 is a perspective View of the plug member for one end of the cartridge,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the socket member for the other end of the cartridge,

Fig. 4 is a sectional elevational view showing the attachment of two cartridges,

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4 and showing a blasting cap in broken lines positioned in the cap retainer, and

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal View showing a series of cartridges joined together to form a column, Figs. l and 6 being on a smaller scale than the other views.

For the purposes of illustration, a cylindrical explosive cartridge or casing 10 having an inner wall 11 and ends 12 and 13 is provided as a container for explosives, such ,as may be used in seismograph prospecting for .oil-or the like. A plug member y14 is `provided for sealing `the-.end 12 of the casing 10 and a socketor sleeve member 15 is provided for sealing .the other `end'13 ofthe casing 10. Preferably the casing 10 andthe plugand socket members 14 and 15 are constructed -of a plastic-material., such as cellulose acetate butyrate or ethyl cellulose,ffrom .which a waterproof container can be made by bonding the plug and socket members 14 and 15 to their respective ends 12 and 13 of the casing 10 with a suitable Ibonding material, such as plastic glue orcement. The Abonding material may be a solvent of the plastic materialfso that as the bonding material evaporates,l the plug and socket members 14 vand 15 will fuse into zthe casing 10 `to form :an integral unit.

As shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, the plug member 14 comprises a cup-shapedbody having alip or skirt portion 16 dened by an open end or rim.17 and an annular wall 18, and a base portion 19 includingan annular wall 20 enclosed by a circular plate 21. The lip and'baseportions 16 and 19 are formed intoan( integralunit so that a central chamber 22 is defined by the inner 4surfaces of the lip and base'walls 18 and 20 and the base plate'or bottom wall 21. An outwardly extending flange or abutment 23 is formed about the periphery of the plug member 14 yintermediate the lip and base portions 16 vand 19, the ange 23 being adapted to engage the end .12 `of the casing 10 so that the lipk portion 16 .extendsinto the'casing 10 and the base portion 19 ,projects `outwardly relative thereto. The base Wall 20 is provided with fastening means, such as threads 24, for locking engagement with the socket member 15, as will be described hereinafter. The plug member 14 also comprises a tubular cap well or hollow stem 25 positioned iin theH central chamber 22 in spaced relation with the inner surfaces of the. lip and base Walls 18 and 20 and having one :end integrally connected to the inner surface of the'bottom wall 21. The other end of the cap well 25 is closed by an endgpiece 26 so that the cavity 27 defined by the Ainner surface 27 of the cap well 25 will not be in communication with the chamber 22 when the plug member 14 is secured to the casing 10. The bottom wall 21 is provided with a central opening 28, which registers with the inner surface 27 of Vthe cap well 25 so that a conventional blasting `cap 29 may be inserted through the kopening 28 into the ycavity 27, Figs. l and 5. The cap 29 is provided with cap wires 30 and channel or conduit means are formed in the plug member 14 in which the Wires 30 may be 'positioned when the explosive cartridges are being connected. The channel means in the plug member 14 include a radialgroove 31 formed in the circular plate 21from the central opening 28 to a point adjacent the base Wa1l'20 and a longitudinal groove 32 formed in the base wall 20 in communication with the radial groove 31 and extendingto a point adjacent the ange 23, which is notched asat 33 to provide an outlet Vfor the cap Wires 30 as Awill be described hereinafter. The grooves 31 and 32 and thel notch 33 are enclosed by a channel-shaped member 34, vwhich iS integrally connected to the plug member 14 to nform a leakproof unit. A

lt is now apparent that the annular lip wall 18 of the plug member 14 is adapted for engagement on the inner surface 11 of the casing 10 and may be bonded thereto in order to provide a leakproof seal at the Vend 12 of the casing. When the plug member '14 is secured torthe end 12 of the casing 10, the cap well 2S extends from the bottom Wall 21 into the casing 10 and 'is concentrically aligned therewith so that explosive material packed in the casing 10 will be positioned in the chamber 22`of1the plug member 14 about the Cap vWell 25. The socketmember 15 may then be inserted andbonded tothe end 13 of the casing to provide a leakproof cartridge for the explosives.

As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the socket member 15 vcomprises a small sleeve 35 having an open end or rim 36 and a larger sleeve 37 having an open end or rim 38, the sleeves 35 and 37 having adjacent ends integrally connected by a radially extending diaphragm or web 39. The socket member is also provided with a radial abutment 40 extending between the adjacent ends of the smaller and larger sleeves 35 and 37, the abutment 40 being adapted for engagement on the end 13 of the casing 10 so that the smaller sleeve 35 extends into the casing 10 and the larger sleeve 37 projects outwardly relative thereto. The larger sleeve 37 has an inner surface 41 provided with fastening means, such as threads 42, for locking engagement with the threads 24 on the plug member 14.

In assembling a single cartridge as shown in Fig. 1, the lip portion 16 of the plug member 14 is positioned in the casing 10 with the ilange 23 abutting the end 12 of the casing. The lip wall 18 of the plug member 14 may then be bonded to the inner wall 11 of the casing 10 to render the connection watertight. Then the casing 10 is lled with explosive, which may either be packed directly in the casing or may be encased in a suitable light-weight paper container for insertion into the casing 10. When the casing has been filled, the tubular cap well 25 will be circumscribed by the explosive in the chamber 22 of the plug member 14. The smaller sleeve 35 of the socket member 15 is then positioned in the casing 10 with the radial abutment 40 engaged on the end 13 of the casing. The socket member 15 may also be bonded to the casing 10 thereby sealing the entire cartridge.

It is now apparent that a leak-proof explosive cartridge has been formed having the plug member 14 and the socket member 15 bonded to opposite ends of the casing 10. Furthermore, the inner surface 41 of the larger sleeve 37 has a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the base wall `of the plug member 14 so that when it is desired to form a column of cartridges, Fig. 6, the plug member 14 of one cartridge may be easily inserted u in the socket member 15 of another cartridge and the fastening means interlocked to eifect a secure connection therebetween. When two cartridges have been joined together, the bottom wall 21 of the plug member 14 is engaged on the radial diaphragm 39 of the socket member 15 and the open end 38 of the large sleeve 37 will abut the ange 23 of the plug member 14, Figs. 4 and 5.

As shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, the fastening means may comprise the threads 24 and 42, which are formed on the outer periphery of the base wall 20 of the plug member 14 and on the inner surface 41 of the larger sleeve 37 of the socket member, respectively. The threads 24 and 42 are preferably of the interrupted type so that rotation of the plug member 14 on one cartridge a fraction of a turn relative to the socket member 15 on another cartridge will -cause the threads 24 and 42 to become locked and the two cartridges rigidly secured in endwise abutting relationship. Additional cartridges are then joined in the same manner until a rigid column having a predetermined amount of explosive is formed. The blasting cap 29 is inserted into the cavity 27 in the cap well of one of the plug members 14, and the cap Wires 30 positioned in the grooves 31 and 32. The plug member 14 is then secured to the socket member 15 in the next cartridge thereby enclosing the cap 29 in the cap well 25 and the cap wires in the channel means. The notch 33 in the ange 23 permits the cap wires 30 to extend out of the channel so that they may be attached to electrical means (not shown) for detonating the cap 29 when the column has been positioned in a shot hole. It is apparent that the cap 29 may be located at any level in the column and cannot slip or be pulled from the cap I' well 25. Furthermore, the cap 29 is aligned with the axis lof the explosive contained in the casings 10 to assure' 4 maximum wave propagation when the column is detonated.

The rigid column of explosive cartridges may have a smooth outer surface by providing the flanges 23 of the plug members 14 and the large sleeves 37 of the socket members 15 with the same outside diameter as the casings 10. The column may then be easily inserted into a shot hole without snagging on the sides thereof. In addition, the explosive column is of suicient rigidity that considerable pressure may be exerted thereon when placing the column in the shot hole, and a relatively sensitive explosive may be used without endangering the life or' the shooter. Furthermore, the waterproof cartridges can withstand considerable pressures from water in the shot hole without adverse effects, whereas paper-wrapped cartridges are frequently caused to collapse from Water pressure and the eiciency of the explosive is greatly diminished.

This invention is intended to cover all changes and modications of the example herein chosen for the purposes of the disclosure, which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

l. Closure means for sealing the end of a tubular casing, comprising a rst sealing member having a first side wall adapted to fit into one end of the casing and a base with an opening therein, cap retaining means on said base having a cavity in communication with the opening, and channel means extending from said opening to said first side wall; a second sealing member having a second side wall adapted to t into another end of the casing and diaphragm means connected to the inner periphery of said second side wall, said first and second sealing members being adapted to intert whereby casings having ends sealed by said members may be joined together.

2. Closure means for sealing the end of tubular casings, comprising a first sealing member having a iirst side wall adapted to be telescoped relative to the end of one casing, a base on one end of said rst side wall having an opening therein, stem-like means on said base having a cavity in communication with said opening, and circuitous channel means extending from said opening to point intermediate the ends of said first side wall; a second sealing member having a second side wall adapted to be telescoped relative to the end of another casing and diaphragm means secured to the inner periphery of said second side wall; and fastening means adapted to secure said sealing members together.

3. Closure means adapted for sealing opposite ends of a tubular casing, comprising a plug member having a rst side wall adapted to be positioned in overlapping relation with one end of the casing and a base on one end of said iirst side wall, tubular means attached to Said base in spaced relation with said iirst side wall, conduit means extending from said tubular means to a point on the outer periphery of said rst side wall; a socket member having a second side wall adapted to be positioned in overlapping relation with the other end of the casing and'a diaphragm secured to the inner periphery thereof; and fastening means adapted to releasably secure said plug and socket members on one casing to socket and plug members respectively of similar casings.

4. Closure means for sealing the ends of a tubular casing, comprising a plug member having a cylindrical Side wall adapted to be positioned in contacting relationship with one end of the casing, a circular bottom wall formed on one end of said side Wall and having a central opening formed therethrough, a hollow stern positioned adapted to be positioned in contacting relationship with another end of the casing in overlapping relationship, a second sleeve connected to one end of said first sleeve, a circular diaphragm on the inner periphery of said socket member intermediate said sleeves, and threaded faster.- ing means on said second sleeve, said threaded fastening means of said plug member being adapted to coact with said threaded fastening means of said socket member whereby casings having said plug and socket members secured to their ends may be joined to form an explosive cartridge assembly.

5. Closure means for sealing the open ends of a cylindrical casing, comprising a cup-shaped plug member having a lip portion and a base portion with an outwardly extending abutment therebetween, said base portion including a side wall and a bottom wall having a central opening therein, a cap retaining means positioned on said bottom Wall in spaced relation with the inner periphery of said plug member, said cap retaining means having a cavity dened by a peripheral wall conterminous with the periphery of said central opening, channel means in said plug member including a, radial channel in said bottom wall extending from said central opening to a point adjacent the outer periphery of said side wall and a longitudinal channel in communication with said radial channel and extending to a point adjacent said abutment, and interrupted threads on the outer periphery of said side wall; and a socket member having a first sleeve and a second sleeve having adjacent ends, a circular diaphragm interconnecting said sleeves at the adjacent ends thereof, a radiallyaextending abutment formed between said sleeves, and interrupted threads on the inner periphery of one of said sleeves, said plug member being adapted to receive said socket member in threaded engagement therewith whereby casings carrying each of said members may be releasably secured to other casings carrying each of said members.

6. A tubular cartridge comprising a casing having open ends; a lirst member telescoped in one of said casing ends, said rst member including a first side wall and bottom wall with an opening therein, cap retaining means on said bottom wall in spaced relation with said first side wall and having a cavity in communication with said opening, channel means from said opening to a point on the outer periphery of said side wall; a second member tei:- scoped in the other of said casing ends, said second member including a second side wall and a diaphragm; and fastening means on each of said members adapted to releasably engage other fastening means on similar cartridges.

7. A plurality of cartridges joined in end to end relationship to form an explosive cartridge assembly, each of said cartridges comprising a casing having open ends; a first member positioned in one of said open ends and including a side Wall and a bottom Wall defining a chamber in communication with the inner periphery of said casing, cap retaining means on said lirst member projecting into said chamber and having a cavity therein, passage means registering with said cavity and extending to the outer periphery of said iirst member; and a second member positioned in the other of said open ends and including a side wall and a diaphragm; and fastening means on each of said members whereby said cartridges are secured togethe-r.

8. A plurality of explosive cartridges secured in end to end relation to form an explosive cartridge assembly', each of said cartridges including a casing having an inner Wall and open ends; a iirst sealing member sealably engaging one end of said casing and having first fastening means formed thereon; a second sealing member sealably engaging the other end of said casing and having second fastening means formed .thereon for engagement with said first fastening means on first sealing members in other cart' ridges, said second sealing member having a side wall and a bottom wall with a central opening therein, channel means from said central opening to said side wall, and a tubular cap retaining means on said bottom wall in communication with said channel means for receiving a blasting cap therein.

9. A plurality of cylindrical explosive cartridges secured in end to end relation to form an explosive cartridge assembly, each of said cylindrical cartridges comprising a tubular casing having an inner wall and open ends; a first sealing member positioned in a first end of said casing and having small and large sleeves with a sealing diaphragm therebetween, a radially-extending abutment surface formed between said small and large sleeves for engagement on said rst end of said casing, the larger sleeve extending conterminous with said casing and having threads on its inner surface; a second sealing member positioned in a second end of said casing and having an annular projecting portion with external threads circumferentially disposed thereon, said projecting portion being enclosed by a bottom wall having a central opening therein, a radial channel formed in said bottom wall from said central opening to a point adjacent the outer periphery of said projecting portion, a longitudinal channel in said projecting portion from said radial channel to a point adjacent the end of said casing, and a tubular member concentrically positioned relative to said casing and secured lto said bottom wall in communication with said central opening for positioning a blasting cap therein.

10. An explo-sive cartridge assembly comprising a plurality of cylindrical explosive cartridges secured in end to end relation to form a column, each of said cartridges including a tubular casing having an inner wall and open ends; a socket member having a small sleeve positioned in one end of each of said cartridges, a large sleeve projecting outwardly relative to said cartridge end, a radial abutment extending between said small and said large sleeves engaged on the end of said cartridge, and a diaphragm sealing said small sleeve from said large sleeve, said large sleeve having an inner surface with interrupted threads formed thereon; a plug member having a cupshaped body including an annular lip portion with an open end positioned in the other end of each of said cartridges and an annular base portion projecting outwardly relative thereto, said base portion being enclosed by a bottom wall and having interrupted threads adapted to coact with interrupted threads on the inner surface of one of said large Sleeves, a radial flange formed integral with said lip and base portions in engagement with said other end of each of said cartridges, a tubular cap well formed on said bottom wall extending in concentric spaced relation to said lip and base portions, and channel means from said tubular cap well to said radial flange; and a blasting cap having cap wires operatively connected thereto, said cap being disposed in the cap well o-f at least one of said plug members with said cap wires positioned in said channel means.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 949,778 Pringle Feb. 22, 1910 2,238,939 Lewis et al. Apr. 22, 1941 2,340,695 Rothrock Feb. l, 1944 2,358,795 Djidics Sept. 26, 1944 

1. CLOSURE MEANS FOR SEALING THE END OF A TUBULAR CASING, COMPRISING A FIRST SEALING MEMBER HAVING A FIRST SIDE WALL ADAPTED TO FIT INTO ONE END OF THE CASING AND A BASE WITH AN OPENING THEREIN, CAP RETAINING MEANS ON SAID BASE HAVING A CAVITY IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE OPENING, AND CHANNEL MEANS EXTENDING FROM SAID OPENING TO SAID FIRST SIDE WALL; A SECOND SEALING MEMBER HAVING A SECOND SIDE WALL ADAPTED TO FIT INTO ANOTHER END OF THE CASING AND DIAPHRAGM MEANS CONNECTED TO THE INNER PERIPHERY OF SAID SECOND SIDE WALL, SAID FIRST AND SECOND SEALING MEMBERS BEING ADAPTED TO INTERFIT WHEREBY CASINGS HAVING ENDS SEALED BY SAID MEMBERS MAY BE JOINED TOGETHER. 